When I’m overseas, I often find myself having to dispel many “myths” about Singapore. Things like you’ll get thrown into prison and/or caned for littering, chewing gum or parking violations.
While I would say that Singapore is a somewhat social-authoritarian state disguised under a democratic (or so Big Brother says) regime, it is NOT so draconian and totalitarian as to warrant a sojourn in prison for minor offences such as littering or chewing gum.
After the Michael Fay incident many years ago, it seems that all foreigners know about Singapore is that people will get caned for anything and everything. We need a good PR campaign here!!! The Singapore Tourism Board obviously hasn’t been doing a very good job on that account!
But yeah, life in Singapore isn’t that horrible!